Sister Mike was one of six teachers at the Rocky Mountain Environmental Field Center just outside Glacier National Park. There was a strip of land a few miles long and about an acre or two wide between the park and the Blackfoot Reservation. You had to drive about six miles over raw land to get there.
This was the year of EnAct and great focus on the environment. As part of the national program, high school science teachers from around the country nominated students for a total of six spots for a deep dive on how to survey the environment. The program lasted about three months.
Shame to say, of the six selected, I was the only one who did not go into conservation science after the experience. I think God had a different plan for me being out in the middle of nowhere for months: Sister Mike.
I have vivid memories of long morning discussions after breakfast about the reality of God - with just me and Sister Mike.
I was raised Lutheran and taught the gospel as if it was a subject in school, not that is was a relationship with a real and living God. Sister Mike and I marveled, day after day, over the wonders of creation we saw as we wondered litterally for days in Glacier National Park.
Since then I grew comfortable with my mind and my spirit. I am 73 now, but between then and now I got my BA in psychology at Concordia Ann Arbor, but more importantly merged the nature awareness of God I got with Mike, with a full, honest belief in a real and living Christ. After my BA, by miracle - really - I was asked to join the first contemporary Christian Radio station (WYFC) in America. None of us knew radio. I was "stuck" with the morning slot because nobody else wanted to get up that early. I was there for about ten years and had the opportunity to share the love of God with many individuals over that time. Sister Mike came to mind repeatedly during those time. The NATURE of the love of God. There is no way I would have had the impact and opportunity without my breakfasts with Sister Mike.
From there... University of Michigan MA & PhD in Psychology and Communication in close relationship with the Institute for Social Research. Temple University, Oregon, Northwestern, South Florida over time and creation of a national study of free time social engagement that has been conducted daily for over 30 years including over 600,000 respondents - all pointing to the deeper need we have for true social engagement in our free time.
The weeks at Glacier with the mornings with Sister Mike not only redirected my future (I was playing in rock bands before I met her and would probably still be playing at universities or bars today), but built an incredible connection with God and nature that I remember every time I see a flower.
Thank you Sister Mike

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to see Sister Michael Claire's vigil and funeral Mass for which the Holy Spirit led me to this site today as I confirmed the Mother House address for our Pastor in Flagstaff, Arizona Sister deeply touched me all the years I came to know her even toward the end of her life when we spoke by phone. I met Sister in Winslow, Arizona as her 5th grade student at age 11. In 2007, Sister helped our family bury my grandmother Mary who helped dad raise my brother and I. Sister Michael knew how important Grandma was to us and Grandma's death came at a time when all of the religious in the Gallup Diocese were on retreat in Gallup during Holy Week. Sister was our rock, she stayed back to help our family prepare for grandma's burial. We have so many special memories...Sister tutored me on decimals over lunch at the convent when I was in high school. Sister made a special visit with an inspiring gift of a poster appearing unannounced at our home following my high school graduation. She always left me feeling special. Sister Michael Claire read one of the readings at my wedding in 1981. She visited me at home following a hip replacement in 2011... always checking in on our family to let us know she loved us. Sister shared with me the gift of 'seeing' in my childhood and taught me Forgiveness and Loving Kindness in 5th grade. I will always remember the moment when she heard my need for understanding and compassion rather than a punishment for talking back to her in front of the class...she saw my hurt and my behavior was not in character. She just quietly moved on with the lesson at hand and never addressed my outburst and disrespect toward her. Her favorite saying to the students was "STIFLE YOURSELF!" I walk in her memory serving the best I know in loving others as she loved me...as the Trinity loves us. It is wonderful to share my deep love for such a spirited servant of God!!
Thank You Sister Michael Claire Wilson!! Always LOVED and remembered. Jennifer Watts Reyes OFS

My deepest sympathy to Sister Michael's family. I was one of her students at the Winslow Indian Dormitory in Winslow, Arizona. I will always remember her very fondly. I knew she worked as a tutor and she worked for the Title IV program. I hope she knows that many of her students did very well as they graduated from high school and onto college. I graduated from Winslow High School and the University of Arizona. I saw Sister Michael as a very positive, dedicated person who worked passionately for all her students. I appreciate her time and commitment that she gave to the Native American community. Thank you (A' ke e)
Orlinda Shirley Wirth

Sister Michael Claire was a friend of our family. It was always a treat when she would swing into town and see my grandparents and parents. I loved hearing her stories of where she was and what she was doing. May she rest in peace.

I was a student of Sister Michael Claire in Ruth, MI during the 60's. I have such fond memories of her smile and sense of humor. I'm so grateful that I was able to share in her life story.

I am looking for the video of Michael's Vigil and funeral??

Str. Mike has a large, extended family who live all over the country. It would have been nice if we had been notified of her service, and been given time to fly to Michigan and pay our respects. I am her niece and she has been a role-model for me. She is much loved, and she will be sorely missed.